Mr. President,
Perhaps you had had heard that I was one of the key people, if not the key Puntland official then, who had created PIS/PSF as anti-terrorist units against foreign cells in major urban centres of Puntland. They were not established for local use.There were a number of foreign intelligence agencies’ proposals like UK, USA and others to recruit, fund and equip our units. These units came under the Presidency since they were specialized forces and didn’t fit into other security forces. We also did this command structure to prevent manipulations by foreign intelligence services.
President Bush’s War on Terror finally got our acceptance. These units were highly effective and useful in their operations against Al-Qaeda cells in Bosaso and Galkayo.
Now, to diffuse the standoff in Bosaso between PSF and other forces, I would suggest that you appoint PSF Commander, and under him, two Deputy-commanders, one of them being drawn from PSF units to release the tension and give them face-saving.
Mr. President,
Avoid accident, premature action and miscalculations. Puntland Government is a shared entity based on clan consensus. Its President, until now, isn’t popularly elected and his powers are limited if major tribal conflicts break out, despite the provisions of Puntland Constitution.
Moreover, Farmajo and his Co. are undermining Pl Government and determined to exploit the situation. Besides, any major escalation of hostilities in Puntland now could damage your political capital both locally and nationally.
Finally, the commanders of PSF must understand that they can’t exist outside the laws and control of Puntland Government. If they try to ignore Puntland leadership, they risk being decommissioned and disbanded all together.
Ismail Warsame
